The French Way

Stage: Sarria - Portomarín

  • Length 22 Km
  • Difficulty Medium-High
  • Estimated Duration 4h 35min
  • Listen to the stage itinerary

The French Way leaves Sarria by the bridge of A Áspera, on the route to Barbadelo.

Passing through oak groves and meadows, it enters the municipality of Paradela and then descends to the banks of the River Miño where it crosses the bridge which leads to the town of Portomarín.

Stage: Sarria-Portomarín

Sarria- Barbadelo

  • Length 4.2 Km
  • Difficulty High
  • Estimated Duration 1h 00min

The exit from Sarria involves passing the Parish Church of Santa Mariña, the Church of El Salvador, the tower of the former wall and the Convent of A Madanela. After leaving the built-up area a steep hill leads down to the bridge of A Áspera.

Once the bridge is crossed, it is necessary to follow the railway lines for approximately 1 km. We then cross the railway line in order to climb the hardest hill of the stage and then go along a flat route to Barbadelo, where the Church of Santiago can be visited.

An alternative route straight to Ferreiros bypassing Barbadelo.

Sarria - Barbadelo

Bridge of A Áspera at Sarria

Barbadelo- Ferreiros

  • Length 9.1 Km
  • Difficulty Low
  • Estimated Duration 1h 50min

The Camino continues towards Rente along a roadway in a very good state, passing Mercado da Serra, Leimán and Peruscallo, where an area of streams begins and where there are stone sidewalks and paths in order to avoid getting wet.


Once past Lavandeira, Casais, A Brea and Morgade, there is a hard climb to Ferreiros, the first town of the  Ribeira Sacra of Lugo.

Barbadelo - Ferreiros

The Camino between Sarria and Portomarín

Ferreiros- Portomarín

  • Length 8.7 Km
  • Difficulty Low
  • Estimated Duration 1h 45min

This is a stage which is completely downhill. Taking a diversion from the road at the entrance to Francos, we take a stony track which is predominately downhill, passing through numerous small villages.In the valley, meadows alternate with typical buildings with slate roofs. The terrain on this stretch is very uneven, mainly downhill, with large holes and stones. The end of this track joins a road where the pilgrim catches the first sight of the reservoir of Belesar.

Crossing the bridge over the reservoir, the Camino enters the town of Portomarín by a stairway which is just opposite the road and leads to the town centre, where the  hostel is located very near the Churches of San Pedro and  San Nicolao, in the colonnaded square where the Town Hall is also situated.

Portomarín is a very attractive town for tourists. The historical area is totally paved with stones and all the services are provided. Although it has no river beach, the people use the reservoir for swimming in the summer months.

Ferreiros - Portomarín

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Pilgrim Hostel of Portomarín

Romanic Church of San Nicolao or San Xoán

Stonecutter’s mark in the Church of San Nicolao or San Xoán in Portomarín

Stage: Triacastela - Sarria (through San Xil)
Stage: Triacastela - Sarria (through Samos)
Stage: Portomarín - Palas de Rei